A publication of the Seneca Park Society OO OOZ Z N May/June 2018

Meet the Zoo’s newest species: red pandas. New habitat opening later in May!

Wayne Smith Seneca Park Zoo inspires On My Mind: Motivated By Mission our community to connect, Pamela Reed Sanchez President and CEO Seneca Park Zoo Society care for, and conserve wild life and wild places. You are both Seneca Park Zoo Society a cheering Board of Trustees section, and an Gavin Brownlie, Chair echo chamber, Peter Lutz, Vice Chair championing the Chris Stern, Secretary Zoo’s efforts and Keith Wilson, Treasurer reinforcing the importance of Leonard Bayer David Riedman our work. Stephen Brown Gary Squires Trisha Butera Larry Staub* In addition Linda Buttrill Matthew Terp* to the support Tim DeGrave James Winebrake Just about a month ago, the of the Zoo Maureen Dobies Debby Wilson Seneca Park Zoo Society received an community, the Suresh Goel Ben Wood extraordinary accolade: we were Zoo Society is Mary Ellen Brothers named one of the best places to work Guon * Ex Officio proud to work Suzanne Hunt in our region. The designation is based in partnership with Monroe County to Barbara Kelley on the results of an anonymous survey fulfill the Zoo’s mission of inspiring our Eileen Kreutter* taken by the full-time and year-round community to connect with, care for, James McElheny, Esq. part-time staff of the Zoo Society. [Full and conserve wildlife and wild places. Michael Morse disclosure: I never saw the survey, and I wasn’t even given an opportunity to This month, Seneca Park Zoo opens Seneca Park Zoo Society complete one.] new habitats for two species – red Trustees Emeritus pandas and snow – that are I believe Zoo Society staff reported vanishing from our world. There are Ruth Baltzer William Strassburg high levels of workplace satisfaction for Ralph Code III, Esq. Robert Stiles fewer than 7,000 snow leopards and John Nuccitelli one primary reason: we share common less than 10,000 red pandas remaining values, working toward a mission we on our planet. Their habitats are Zoo Society all believe in. When you come to work declining and degraded due in large Leadership Team every day knowing that the people part to competition with people. around you share your values, and want Pamela Reed Sanchez Sharon Peterson to do everything possible to connect our Sarah Hanson Tom Snyder Chuck Levengood Kelly Ulrich community with wildlife so they are moved to conserve it, it matters. We do “You are both a cheering meaningful work here. We are doing section, and an echo chamber, County Zoo our part to leave the world a better championing the Zoo’s efforts Leadership Team place. THAT is motivating. I could and reinforcing the importance Monroe County David Hamilton not be more proud of the team we of our work.” Executive Richard Mikiciuk have assembled to carry out the Zoo’s Cheryl Dinolfo Kristen Miles-Pavia mission. John Adamski David Rinaldo Lindsay Brinda Larry Staub Why am I taking up space in your But there is hope – and our job is Dr. Louis DiVincenti Kellee Wolowitz newsletter with what might seem like to share this message with all of our self-serving information? Because guests. We can and should make a YOU are part of the reason we have difference to reverse their population On the cover received this award. Our members, our decline. And honestly, to see a snow After years of planning and supporters, our guests: in person is to fall in love with anticipation, the new snow • Share our mission and believe snow leopards. To see a red panda leopard and red panda habitats in the role play in saving up close and personal is to become are opening in May. Learn more animals from . enamored with red pandas. about red pandas, a new species for Seneca Park Zoo, on page 7. • Inspire us to provide best-in-class There is no better time to come to experiences with the Zoo, while the Zoo and bring friends and family you are here on site, and through as the Zoo begins its phenomenal outreach programs. transformation. Thank you for your • Support the Zoo in numerous support, your encouragement, and your ways, from telling friends and enjoyment of all that is Seneca Park family about what’s happening Zoo. here, to contributing to Wayne Smith conservation causes, to enrolling your children or grandchildren in . 2 . camps and classes, and so much more. A LETTER FROM Larry Staub Zoo Director Seneca Park Zoo It’s never been more exciting here at Seneca Park Zoo! At long last, the Zoo transformation, which we’ve planned and worked on for the last five years, is coming to fruition. By the time you’re reading this, we hope to be putting the final touches on the landscaping around the new snow leopard and red panda habitats, finishing the new visitor walkways and moving animals into their homes. Once moved, the animal care team will work very diligently and carefully to acclimate these amazing ambassadors of their species to their new surroundings and new routines. This, of course, is all in preparation for the upcoming grand opening of our wonderful new Cold Asia habitats! Construction of the Animals of the Savanna expansion, north of our very popular habitat, is also progressing well. We are deep into planning for the acquisition and transportation of all the animals for this area, working closely with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) Larry hand feeds a Red Panda at the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa. programs to identify the specific animals we will receive and then coordinating with the sending institutions on transportation. While some moves will be fairly simple, empty, we can then realize a long desired goal: the removal of this others, such as the giraffes, will be complex. As you can antiquated relic of the early 20th century, as well as “old zoo” design imagine transporting giraffes is quite a “tall” order! Not and practices, beginning right after Labor Day. only does it take a special trailer, the giraffes cannot This is a great time to be part of the Zoo. It is another milestone in exceed a certain height and the route has to be carefully the ongoing improvements to a wonderful institution and a tribute planned. to the unbelievable support we have received from our County Finally, all this activity allows us to begin preparations Executive Cheryl Dinolfo, our 29 Monroe County Legislators, the “You are both a cheering to demolish the antiquated Main Zoo Building. As animals community at large… and you, our members! Thank you! section, and an echo chamber, move out to appropriate new homes, here at our Zoo championing the Zoo’s efforts and at other institutions, you’ll see this building become and reinforcing the importance more and more empty. That’s a good thing, because once of our work.” THANK YOU, LARRY SOREL

After nearly 21 years as Zoo Director here at Seneca Park Zoo, Larry Sorel announced his retirement in April. Larry’s impact is felt throughout the Zoo, from expansion projects taken on over the years, to the high standards of animal care and commitment to conservation. We all thank Larry and wish him the best. To ensure the continued good operation of Seneca Park Zoo through the completion of the “We all thank ongoing Zoo renovation project, Larry and wish Monroe County Executive Cheryl him the best.” Dinolfo asked Monroe County Parks Director Larry Staub to simultaneously assume the duties of Zoo Director upon Sorel’s retirement. Staub is well qualified for this significant responsibility, having overseen the overall operation of the Zoo since 2006 in his current capacity. Go Green with your Zoo!

As a leader that inspires our community to take action for species survival, Seneca Park Zoo has made a concerted effort to reduce the use of single-use plastic on the Zoo campus. The exponential growth of plastics in the world is now threatening the survival of the planet — poisoning and injuring marine life, disrupting human hormones, littering our beaches and landscapes, and clogging our waste streams and landfills. As we head into the summer season, you’ll see a shift from single-use plastic at several places at your Zoo. Water Bottles: If we stacked water bottles as high as an One of the biggest sellers at the Zoo elephant, the number of water bottles we’ll restaurants and through Zoo catering is bottled eliminate would be the water. This year, we’ll no longer sell water in plastic bottles; instead we will sell JUST Water. length of 24 ! JUST Water is 100% spring water, ethically sourced and bottled in a paper-based container with a cap made from sugar cane. This process Compostable dinner ware: results in a 74% reduction in carbon emissions With the elimination of plastic water bottles, compared to a standard plastic bottle. The water the Zoo restaurants and catering are nearly is delicious and the bottle is compostable as well! 100% transitioned to having all food served with Just Water will be available starting Memorial products made of recycled materials, that are . 4 .Day Weekend. Sarah Michaels

Our catered events have transitioned to environmentally friendly tableware including The ZooShop has transitioned to reusable shopping bags. plant-based plates and silverware.

compostable after use. All our plates, cups, The ZooShop: lids, straws, and silverware adhere to these Now when you make a purchase at the standards. It’s been a focus of the food service ZooShop, you won’t be given a plastic bag. team to make this transition over the past You’ll be given the option to purchase a fun, several years, and in 2018, we can add water reusable bag for just $1.35 (the cost to us to bottles, as well as cups and lids to the list of produce them). If you purchase over $50 in environmentally-friendly products in which we merchandise, the reusable bag is free. We serve food. estimate this move eliminates thousands of single use plastic bags per year.

Take an assessment of your household to see What can you do? how much single-use plastic you use in your life. Here are a few tips for reducing single-use plastic. • Always carry a reusable water bottle and/or coffee cup. It’s amazing how many disposable beverage containers you can eliminate if you use your own. Refill your reusable water bottles at the water fountains throughout the Zoo. • Have reusable shopping bags in your car. And remember to use them with any shopping, not just at the grocery store. • Store leftovers in reusable plastic or glass containers. Food will stay fresh longer, and Compostable dinner ware: it’s greener than saving food in baggies or plastic wrap. With the elimination of plastic water bottles, the Zoo restaurants and catering are nearly • And most importantly, when you do have to 100% transitioned to having all food served with use single-use plastic, always remember to Reusable coffee cups and water bottles are available at the ZooShop. recycle it. products made of recycled materials, that are . 5 . Plant your own piece of Butterfly Beltway

A monarch butterfly sighting is a sign of warmer days, sunnier skies, and beautiful blooms here in Western . Since 2002, Seneca Park Zoo has been planting and conserving pollinator habitats through the Butterfly Beltway project to provide monarch butterflies food and shelter along their journeys. Most recently, the Zoo has created Pollinator Habitat Garden Kits to give the everyday gardener the opportunity to be a part of the Butterfly Beltway at home. The kits are ideal for anyone interested in making their land or backyard more ecologically friendly. This do-it-yourself option Pollinator Habitat Garden Kits that cover 250 allows you to plant your pollinator garden any square feet or 100 square feet are available for way you’d like, whether it’s dividing the seeds into purchase at the ZooShop or by calling 585.336.7216. planters or sprinkling them throughout your yard. In the ZooShop, you’ll find them in Conservation Corner, a new area of the shop dedicated to products from conservation partners, as well as items to help “What many gardeners don’t realize live more sustainably in your own home. is that just because a seed mix says When your seeds begin to bloom, be sure to share it is meant for pollinators, it doesn’t your garden’s growth and progress with us on social mean it is meant for pollinators native media. to this region. We wanted to give local gardeners the opportunity to plant gardens that would create native pollinator habitat while using plants indigenous to our area.”

-Tom Snyder, Director of Programming and Conservation Action

The Pollinator Habitat Garden Kits contain everything you need to establish a garden that will be a habitat for pollinators, including easy-to-follow instructions for planting and maintaining a successful garden. The seeds are mix of native grasses, flowers, tall perennials, and other species that will provide shelter, food sources, and hosts for pollinator reproduction throughout the entire bloom season. “What many gardeners don’t realize is that just because a seed mix says it is meant for pollinators, it doesn’t meant it is meant for pollinators native to this region,” said Director of Programming and Conservation Action, Tom Snyder. The Pollinator Habitat Garden Kits sold by the Zoo Society Purchase your Pollinator Habitat Garden Kit includes only seeds for plants indigenous to this area. at the ZooShop. . 6 . Red Panda: The Conservation Story

Heidi Beifus

Later in May, Seneca It’s estimated to many threatened species — the Park Zoo will introduce the Eastern Himalayan Broadleaf Forest community to red pandas – a fewer than 10,000 ecoregion. Within this region, RPN species new to the Zoo. Known red pandas has discovered an area critical to for their charming face and remain in their natural range. the preservation of red pandas: the excellent climbing abilities, Panchthar-Ilam-Taplejung (PIT) red pandas are named for corridor in eastern Nepal. the color of their fur, which The PIT corridor supports 25% of Nepal’s red serves as camouflage against the reddish-brown panda population. But deforestation and forest moss and white lichen in fir trees. Red pandas are degradation for unsustainable livestock grazing, found throughout the Himalaya Mountains and agriculture and resource harvesting practices are in southwestern China, living in deciduous and threatening red pandas and their habitat. coniferous forests at altitudes generally between 5,000 and 15,000 feet. For over 10 years, RPN has been working to conserve red pandas in the PIT corridor. The Listed as endangered by the International Union organization uses an integrated, landscape level for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), one of the biggest approach to red panda conservation, which includes threats facing red panda populations is habitat research and monitoring, education and outreach, loss due to deforestation, forest degradation, and, habitat protection and restoration, and sustainable other human activities. Over 75% of the Himalayas’ development initiatives. RPN has successfully original extensive habitat has been destroyed to be expanded its programs into central and western converted into agriculture land for development Nepal and Bhutan, and aims to duplicate their purpose, or exploited for timbers, fodder, and fuel efforts in all red panda range countries, including wood. Local livestock will out-compete red pandas India, China, and Myanmar. for food, while poaching for the pet and fur trades also continues to threaten this species. You’ll have an opportunity to contribute to red panda conservation when you buy or renew a Seneca Park Zoo Society is partnering with Red membership, or by hosting a birthday party at the Panda Network (RPN) to help save this endangered Zoo. species. Red Panda Network works in one of the most biodiverse regions in the world that is home . 7 . Celebrate special times at your Zoo Share your memories of the Main Building!

Seneca Park Zoo is the perfect place for a fun and memorable event. We have unique venues for nearly any occasion and group size, all in the natural surroundings of the Zoo. You and your guests will enjoy outstanding cuisine and service from the Zoo’s own catering service. If you want to truly immerse your guests into a full Zoo experience, we can arrange guided tours, animal presentations and animal enrichment programs to As part of Seneca Park Zoo’s multi-year transformation, the antiquated Main Building at the south end of the Zoo will be enhance your event. demolished after Labor Day. This will pave the way for construction to begin on a new, state-of-the-art tropics complex. The We offer a perfect setting for a wide range of occasions: Main Building was built in 1931 and does not meet current standards for animal welfare and guest experience. • Corporate events • College events All animals currently residing in the Main Building will go to other AZA-accredited zoos, either temporarily or permanently, or move to the new Animals of the Savanna area. Zoo staff has been working on animal moves for the past year and coordinating • Graduation parties • Retirement parties • Family reunions with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) to find the most appropriate home for each • Cocktail parties animal. • Weddings • Bridal and baby showers • Rehearsal dinners For over 85 years, millions of guests have walked through the Main Building to come face-to-face with species from around the world. The building has been home to animals ranging from chimpanzees, orangutans, and gibbons, to and tigers. Book your event today: Be a part of history and help us commemorate the Main Building by sending your fondest memories and favorite images to senecaparkzoo.org/catered-celebration [email protected] to be included in a commemorative video or on one of the Zoo’s social media channels. 585.295.7399 Community helps celebrate Aurora’s life

In March, we said goodbye to one of Seneca Park Zoo’s most iconic and beloved animals, 28-year-old female polar bear Aurora. For nearly three decades, Aurora inspired guests to care about polar bears and take action to help protect her counterparts in their natural range. The outpouring of support following Aurora’s death was a testament to her impact on millions of guests throughout her lifetime. The countless photos, videos, and memories shared were evidence that Aurora served as an excellent ambassador for her species, connecting children and adults alike to polar bears and the challenges they face. Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate Aurora’s extraordinary life. You can honor Aurora’s memory by donating to the Zoo Society’s conservation partner, Polar Bears International, an organization working Nicole Raisanen to conserve polar bears and the sea ice they depend on. Donate at polarbearsinternational.org. Celebrate special times at your Zoo

Wayne Smith Laura Pennington

Birthday Parties: Catered Events: Seneca Park Zoo is the only place in town where you Seneca Park Zoo is the perfect place for a fun and can celebrate your birthday with amazing wildlife from memorable event. We have unique venues for nearly any around the world. Share your love of animals with your occasion and group size, all in the natural surroundings family and friends while feeling great knowing that of the Zoo. You and your guests will enjoy outstanding you’re helping to save animals from extinction. cuisine and service from the Zoo’s own catering service. Our birthday party packages are offered year-round If you want to truly immerse your guests into a full on weekends. They are a terrific value as they include Zoo experience, we can arrange guided tours, animal all-day admission to the Zoo for you and your guests, presentations and animal enrichment programs to personal animal experiences, a souvenir safari hat for enhance your event. each child and more. We offer a perfect setting for a wide range of occasions: You can enhance your party by adding on experiences, • Corporate events • College events party favors and a variety food options - including • Graduation parties • Retirement parties cakes! • Family reunions • Cocktail parties Best of all, Seneca Park Zoo Society makes a donation • Weddings • Bridal and baby showers to red panda conservation for every birthday party • Rehearsal dinners hosted at the Zoo. Find out more: Book your event today: senecaparkzoo.org/birthday senecaparkzoo.org/catered-celebration 585.295.7399 585.295.7399

Guided Tours: Create a memorable experience by booking a tour with one of our experienced tour guides! Your guide will lead you on a 90‐minute journey throughout the Zoo where you’ll get a deeper insight on the animals in our care and the inside story on the exciting expansion taking place over the coming years. Your guide will gladly answer questions and share information on the Zoo’s focus on saving animals from extinction. Guided tours are a great way to celebrate your favorite animal lover’s

Dave Zimmerman Dave next birthday or special occasion. Guided tours can be booked any time of the year. 585.295.7399 to make your reservation at least 3 weeks in advance. Guided walking tour: $150 for up to 15 participants $285 for 16 - 30 participants Guided cart tour: $100 for up to 5 participants per cart (two cart maximum per group) Please note: Admission is not included in the tour price. Groups of 10 or more paying guests qualify for the discounted group rate.

8 Follow us to learn about exact opening dates for the new habitats this summer! Dates to save this summer.

Save the date for these can’t-miss events at the Zoo this summer! Visit senecaparkzoo.org/events for more information about or to buy tickets for a specific event.

May July May 5 Cinco de Rhino 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. (21+) July 7 Park Cleanup @ Genesee 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. May 19 Annual Meeting 8:30 a.m. (members only) Valley Park May 25 ZooBrew 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. (21+) July 15 Jungle Jog 5K Run and Walk 8:30 a.m. May 25 Endangered Species Day* July 20 ZooBrew 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. (21+) July 15-20 National Zoo Keeper Week* June June 2 Zoobilation 5:30 p.m. (21+) August June 16 Camera Traps as Conservation Tools* June 22 ZooBrew 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. (21+) Aug 10 World Day* Aug 10 ZooBrew 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. (21+) Aug 11 Park Cleanup @ Seneca Park 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Aug 12 World Elephant Day* *Conservation Awareness Days are free Aug 24 Party Mad at the Zoo 5:30 p.m. (21+) with Zoo admission! Aug 26 Celebrate Giraffes Day*

Enjoy daily animal experiences, keeper chats, & more from Memorial Day through Summer Programing Labor Day! Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Member Member Member Member Member Member Member 9:30 a.m. Morning Morning Morning Morning Morning Morning Morning

Snow Penguin Tiger Penguin Otter Otter Penguin Leopard 10:30 a.m. Experience Experience Feeding Experience Experience Feeding Experience Canada Eagle Eco Center Sea Lion Sea Lion Sea Lion Sea Lion Lynx Keeper 11:30 a.m. Keeper Chat Keeper Chat Experience Experience Experience Experience Chat Program Program Program Program Program Program Program 12:30 p.m. Animal Animal Animal Animal Animal Animal Animal Encounter Encounter Encounter Encounter Encounter Encounter Encounter

Red Panda Baboon Hyena Elephant Tiger Baboon Red Panda 1:30 p.m. Keeper Chat Keeper Chat Experience Experience Experience Experience Keeper Chat

Snow Lion Elephant Wolf Keeper Elephant Lion Elephant Leopard 3:30 p.m. Experience Experience Chat Experience Experience Experience Experience

Member Animal Experiences Keeper Program Mornings and Feedings Chats Animal Encounter An exclusive, members-only Learn how our animals stay Hear about our animals Get up close and personal animal encounter from 9:30 healthy, engaged, and active directly from zoo keepers with one of our program to 10 a.m. at the Zoo’s front as zoo keepers engage and zoologists, the animals, and learn about the gate. in behavioral training, caretakers they most trust. Zoo’s conservation efforts feeding, or environmental locally and globally at the enrichment. Nature Connection Stage. 7 Calendar of events Mark your calendars for what’s next at your Zoo. MAY JUNE 25 2

Wayne Smith ZooBrew Drink beer and save elephants at the Zoobilation first ZooBrew of the season. Start your Memorial Day weekend off right with Metamorphosis is the theme for our annual gala, this classic 21-and-older summer event. Zoobilation, and it couldn’t be more fitting. This 21-and- Enjoy live music, animal encounters, and older evening gala is Seneca Parks Zoo Society’s biggest a variety of food and drink offerings. A single-day fundraiser. New this year, participate in the silent portion of each ticket sale goes to the auction using mobile bidding! Enjoy an animal experience, International Elephant Foundation. savor delicious food and beverages, and be sure to be at the big tent in time for the live auction with the Bermuda Date Time Friday, May 25 5:30 - 9 p.m. Mavericks. It’s always a wonderful event, and all donations support the Zoo and its mission. Cost $8 pre-sale $10 day of event Date Time Saturday, June 2 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. Tickets senecaparkzoo.org/zoobrew Cost Tickets $150 until May 14 senecaparkzoo.org/zoobilation Can’t make this date? Joins us for the next ZooBrew on June 22! $175 after May 14

2018 Summer Camps JUNE Make sure your children are among the first to see and JULY learn about the exciting new habitats and animals coming AUG to the Zoo this year by sending them to ZooCamp this summer. Half-day and full-day options are available. Spots fill up quickly, so don’t wait. Dates Camps start the week of June 4 for preschoolers and June 25 for campers age five and up. Time 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Before and after-care available at an additional cost $25 per week. Registration Mina Johnson senecaparkzoo.org/summercamp Calendar of events Mark your calendars for what’s next at your Zoo.

MAY MAY

co de cin 5 5

SE O NECA PARK ZO

A craft beer & cider celebration Benefiting your Zoo and Rhino conservation

2018 brewery list incenseandspices.com Stoneyard Brewing Co. Brockport, NY Cider Creek Hard Cider Canisteo, NY Four Mile Brewing Olean, NY Park Clean Up Are you looking for a way to connect with your Stone Brewing San Diego, CA community? Join us as part of Seneca Park Zoo’s Ithaca Beer Co. Ithaca, NY partnership with The City of Rochester’s Department Tröegs Independent Brewing Hershey, PA of Recreation and Youth Services for a park clean-up Lagunitas Brewing Co. Petaluma, CA day at Seth Green Park. Meet in the parking area at Anderson Valley Brewing Co. Booneville, CA Seth Green Park at the intersection of St. Paul Blvd. and Norton Street. Tools, gloves, and snacks will be Bell’s Brewery Kalamazoo, MI provided. Please dress for the weather and bring water Embark Craft Ciderworks Williamson, NY to stay hydrated. Firestone Walker Brewing Co. Paso Robles, CA Visit senecaparkzoo.org/cleanup for additional dates Collective Arts Brewing Hamilton, Ontario, CA and locations Thin Man Brewery Buffalo, NY Date Times Cost Cinco de Rhino May 5, 2018 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Free Forget about your typical Cinco de Mayo plans, and join us at the Zoo for Cinco de Rhino! Join us for a craft beer and cider festival in the name of Annual Meeting MAY rhino conservation. Enjoy live music, light appetizers, a rhino keeper chat, and opportunities to win prizes. A As a Seneca Park Zoo member, you are portion of the ticket sold for this event goes directly to the invited to attend the Annual Meeting, which International Rhino Foundation. will be held on Saturday, May 19. Learn 19 about all the changes happening this year Date May 5, 2018 at your Zoo. Enjoy a light breakfast and beverage while you hear from Zoo and Time Zoo Society leadership. 5:30 to 9 p.m. (No entry after 7 p.m.) Cost Date Time May 19 8:30 a.m. $35 in advance, $40 day of event Buy tickets at senecaparkzoo.org/cinco Location Eagle’s Landing Pavilion 5 His passion for the Zoo only grew, and in 2010 he joined the docent “Jim was an organization, the Zoo’s enthusiastic teacher volunteer educators. He about all animals, often stated that this but had a special was the best decision he ever made. Jim was place in his heart for an enthusiastic teacher penguins.” about all animals, but had a special place in his heart for penguins. Jim engaged with guests young and old at the penguin habitat, to educate and inspire people to learn more about the Zoo and what they could do to help conserve all animals. He was a member of the Docent Education Committee, chairperson for Party Mad in 2016, and he took on the role of Docent Vice President in In Memory of 2015 and President in 2017, until health reasons prompted his resignation. Jim was the recipient of both the “Jim Grapenstetter Volunteer Jim Quick of the Year” award and the “Leader of the Pack” award. As an excellent listener, problem solver and communicator, his Dedicated, compassionate, and enthusiastic are three words that dedication, knowledge and concern for the environment made describe Jim Quick, former President of the docent organization of an impact on Zoo guests. Seneca Park Zoo Society. Sadly, Jim lost his battle with cancer on February 2nd. He will be profoundly missed by the Zoo community. Jim’s legacy will continue since he was a member of the Forever Wild Society (the Zoo’s planned giving program). We are grateful Jim began volunteering at the Zoo in 2008 after a 29-year career for Jim’s passion, his time and his investment in the Zoo. He will at as a certified pipe fitter, and after his wife of 34 years, be greatly missed. Kathleen, passed away. He started as a general volunteer, helping with events, parking and in any way possible. Staffupdates

Jennine Sweeney Charlene Reagan Lee Gray Accounting Associate Development Assistant Manager of Institutional Giving Jennine Sweeney joined the Charlene Reagan joined the Zoo Lee Gray joined the Seneca Park Zoo Society as Zoo Society in March as an Society as Development Assistant Manager of Institutional Giving in February. He is Accounting Associate. Born and in February. She comes to the Zoo responsible for garnering corporate, foundation, raised in Rochester, she earned with over 14 years’ experience in and governmental support for the Zoo Society, her accounting degree from high-level administrative support and is looking forward to engaging with the great . Her in higher education. She lives in philanthropic community of Rochester. professional experiences include Webster with her husband and accounts payable/accounts is very proud of her children and Raised in Virginia, Lee was introduced to receivable, project accounting and grandchildren. Her family outings Rochester three years ago and fell in love with it. sales tax in the market research and make her very familiar with the After graduating from Louisiana State University automated storage and retrieval Zoo, and she feels privileged to be last spring with his degree in English, Lee made industries. serving in this role during an exciting Rochester his new home. He brings experience new era in the Seneca Park Zoo with non-profit programming and communications 4 history. from working at the YMCA. Animal comings & goings

MORE SPOTS

MORE SERENITY

SNOW LEOPARD AND RED PANDA HABITATS OPENING LATE MAY

3 Animal comings & goings

Welcome Timila Tina Fess

In March, the Zoo welcomed female snow leopard Timila. MORE The one year-old snow leopard was born at Metro SPOTS Richmond Zoo, and is temporarily living in the old snow leopard habitat until the new habitat opens in May. Wayne Smith Wayne

Goodbye Denda, Welcome Red Pandas Kumang & Bella MORE SERENITY The Zoo community bids a sad farewell to Bornean In anticipation of the opening of the new red panda orangutans Denda, Kumang and Bella this spring. The habitat in May, the Zoo welcomed two red pandas, Blaze animals depart the Zoo in anticipation of the demolition of and Starlight. Blaze is a five-year-old male. Starlight, a the Main Zoo Building in September. Leading up to the female, was born in 2017. We look forward to introducing departure, guests engaged in experiences and keeper them to the Zoo when their habitat opens in May. chats through spring break. SNOW LEOPARD AND RED PANDA HABITATS OPENING LATE MAY

2 ACCREDITED BY THE A portion of the printing donated by SENECA PARK ZOO SOCIETY 2222 St. Paul Street Rochester, NY 14621-1097 | senecaparkzoo.org Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Rochester, NY ZooNooz is printed on recycled paper. Permit No. 42 When you’re finished, please share it with a friend.

Designer: Sarah Pearlman Ventura Contributing writers: Pamela Reed Sanchez, President and CEO, Seneca Park Zoo Society Larry Staub, Zoo Director Sarah Hanson, Director of Marketing Mina Johnson, Communications Coordinator LaDonna Court, Receptionist & Marketing Assistant Internationally, and in our own backyard, Seneca Park Zoo plays a key role in species survival. Chartered as an educational institution in 1957 by New York State, the Seneca Park Zoo Society plays an integral role in supporting Monroe County, the owners and operators of the Zoo. Together, we are working to bring animals back from the brink of extinction.

Follow us socially. Visit senecaparkzoo.org

Marie Kraus Marie

opening later in May! May! in later opening New snow leopard habitat habitat leopard snow New

May/June 2018 ZOONOOZ May/June A publication of the Seneca Park Zoo Society Zoo Park Seneca the of publication A